Before the carrier arrives, do a full photographic walkthrough of your vehicle. Photograph every body panel, all four corners, the roof, the windshield, all windows, all four tires, and the undercarriage if accessible. Also photograph the interior: seats, dashboard, cargo area.

→ Use your phone’s timestamp feature. These photos are your protection if any dispute arises at delivery.

Personal items left in the vehicle are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance — period. If something is damaged or goes missing, you have no recourse. Remove everything: clothes, electronics, documents, car seats, chargers, sunglasses.

→ The only exception: items stored in a closed trunk, under 100 lbs total, documented with photos.

Carriers prefer vehicles with no more than a quarter tank of fuel. Fuel adds weight, and full tanks add unnecessary load to the trailer. A quarter tank is enough to load, unload, and drive short distances at delivery.

→ Don’t drain it completely — the carrier needs to be able to drive it on and off the trailer.

If your vehicle has a known oil, coolant, or fuel leak, disclose it before booking. Active leaks can damage other vehicles on the trailer and may cause your shipment to be refused or delayed at pickup. Address known issues before your car ships.

→ Also ensure your battery is charged and tires are properly inflated — the car needs to roll on and off under its own power.

Car alarms that trigger during transit are a serious problem for drivers. The vehicle is on a moving trailer, the driver can’t easily access it, and a persistent alarm can become a major issue. Before pickup, either disable your alarm system or leave the override code written clearly for the driver.

→ Fold in your mirrors if possible to prevent damage from other vehicles on the trailer.

At pickup, the carrier will complete a Bill of Lading — a condition report that documents the vehicle’s current state. Walk the car with the driver and compare it against your photos. Note every existing scratch, dent, chip, or scuff. Make sure the Bill of Lading reflects reality before you sign it.

→ Keep your copy of the Bill of Lading. You’ll need it at delivery.

At delivery, do the same walk-around before signing the final Bill of Lading. Compare the vehicle against both your photos and the pickup condition report. If you notice anything new, note it on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing and contact us immediately.

→ Don’t sign a clean delivery if you have concerns. Once you sign without noting damage, the claim becomes very difficult to support.